How much does it cost to live in Philadelphia?

Typical monthly costs in Philadelphia are approximately $1,700 in rent and $1,700 in other expenses, totalling around $3,400/month.

How much should I save in Philadelphia?

Based on BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2023, people at mid-range incomes in United States typically save 12–20% of gross income. In a high cost city like Philadelphia, housing costs can reduce this, particularly for renters.

Philadelphia · USD · high cost city

Cost of living in Philadelphia — is your salary enough?

Philadelphia median rent is around $1,700/month, making it one of the more affordable major north-east cities. Philadelphia earners at mid-income levels benefit from lower housing costs than nearby New York or Boston.

Rent in Philadelphia

Budget$1,300 – $1,550/mo

Typical$1,700 – $1,950/mo

Premium$2,200+/mo

Other monthly costs

Food, transport, bills, going out~$1,700/mo

Total typical monthly spend~$3,400/mo

How different incomes stack up

At typical Philadelphia costs ($1,700 rent)

$40,000 – $55,000→ saving -10.1%

Critical

$55,000 – $75,000→ saving 11.6%

On Track

$75,000 – $100,000→ saving 34.3%

Ahead

See your personal verdict for Philadelphia

Country

Annual income (gross)$65,000

$20,000$235,000$450,000+

Monthly rent or mortgage$1,700/mo

$0$4,000$8,000+

Other monthly expenses

Food, transport, subscriptions, going out — everything except rent

$1,750/mo

$0$3,750$7,500+

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Cost figures are estimates based on reported median rents and typical spending patterns. Savings benchmarks from BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2023. Figures in USD.

Check your savings rate in Philadelphia →

Compare nearby cities

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Also in the Verdict suite

SalaryVerdict — Is your Philadelphia salary competitive?SpendVerdict — Is your Philadelphia rent too high?